Article of footwear with tubular structures

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear has a tubular structure that may conform to various anatomical features of a foot. The tubular structure has a tunnel, and a tensile strand runs through the tunnel. Applying tension along the tensile strand may cause the tubular structure to conform more closely to one or more anatomical features. The geometry, or path, of the tubular structure on the article may be customized.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/370,976, filed Dec. 6, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/263,916, filed Dec. 7, 2015, U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/263,923, filed Dec. 7, 2015, U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/263,898, filed Dec. 7, 2015, U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/263,834, filed Dec. 7, 2015, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/263,891, filed Dec. 7, 2015. The priorapplications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present embodiments relate generally to articles of footwear, and inparticular to articles of footwear with uppers and sole structures.

Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upperand a sole structure. The upper may be formed from a variety ofmaterials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a voidwithin the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. Thesole structure is secured to a lower portion of the upper and isgenerally positioned between the foot and the ground. In many articlesof footwear, including athletic footwear styles, the sole structureoften incorporates an insole, a midsole, and an outsole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article offootwear including a tubular structure conforming to an upper of thearticle of footwear;

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded isometric view of the article of footwearof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the article offootwear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom isometric view of the article of footwearof FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic isometric view of the article of footwear of FIG.1 as tension is applied along a tensile strand;

FIG. 6 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the article offootwear of FIG. 1 as tension is applied along a tensile strand;

FIG. 7 is a schematic top down view of an embodiment of an article offootwear including a tubular structure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 7 ina relaxed state;

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 7 ina tensioned state;

FIG. 10 is a schematic rear view of the article of footwear of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a side schematic view of an embodiment of an article offootwear with a tubular structure in the form of a tunnel springstructure;

FIG. 12 is a side schematic view of an embodiment of an article offootwear with a tubular structure in the form of a tunnel springstructure as tension is applied along a tensile strand;

FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of an article offootwear with a tubular structure in the form of a tunnel springstructure;

FIG. 14 is a side schematic view of an embodiment of an article offootwear with a tubular structure in the form of a tunnel springstructure as tension is applied along a tensile strand;

FIG. 15 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of an article offootwear including multiple types of tubular structures;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article of footwearwith a tubular structure, in which secondary tensile strands extend fromthe tubular structure and are anchored on a heel counter and a lacestay;

FIG. 17 is an embodiment of a process for forming articles of footwearwith tubular structures in customized paths on a surface of the article;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a customization system;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a foot scanning deviceand a pressure pattern detected by the foot scanning device;

FIGS. 20-22 illustrate schematic views of steps of designing acustomized path for a tubular structure on an article, according to anembodiment;

FIGS. 23-25 illustrate schematic views of forming an article with atubular structure using three-dimensional printing techniques, accordingto an embodiment; and

FIG. 26 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article of footwearwith a tubular structure manufactured using the processes of FIGS.17-25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments include articles of footwear with tubular structures forusing in applying tension through one or more regions of the article offootwear, as well as methods for printing the tubular structures ontothe articles of footwear. The tubular structure may extend along anupper of the article of footwear. A tensile strand may extend through atunnel in the tubular structure. Openings in the tubular structure mayallow the tensile strand to engage with one or more secondary tensilestrands, which may wrap around the tensile strand and extend away fromthe tubular structure to engage other structures on the upper and/or asole structure of the article of footwear. As tension is applied alongthe tensile strand in the tubular structure, the tension may betransferred to the secondary tensile strands, or vice versa.

In some embodiments, secondary tensile strands (which do not extendthrough the tunnel of the tubular structure) may extend between twodifferent sections of the tubular structure.

In some embodiments, the path of the tubular structure may be customizedaccording to custom foot information about a wearer's foot. Thecustomized path may be designed to avoid bony structures and/or provideadditional support to other anatomical features (e.g., the arch). Thecustomized path for the tubular structure could be automaticallydesigned or manually configured through, for example, a graphicalinterface (e.g., a GUI).

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the embodiments willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features, andadvantages be included within this description, be within the scope ofthe embodiments, and be protected by the following claims.

Certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments ofthis disclosure are described herein in the context of variousembodiments; however, the disclosed methods, systems, and apparatus arenot limited to any specific aspect, feature, or combination thereof. Forexample, the structures, systems and methods disclosed in differentembodiments herein can be combined with one another in various manners,and each can also be combined with the structures, systems and methodsdisclosed in each of the provisional applications to which thisapplication claims priority.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear100. In the exemplary embodiment, article of footwear 100 has the formof an athletic shoe. However, in other embodiments, the provisionsdiscussed herein for article of footwear 100 could be incorporated intovarious other kinds of footwear including, but not limited to,basketball shoes, hiking boots, soccer shoes, football shoes, sneakers,running shoes, cross-training shoes, rugby shoes, baseball shoes as wellas other kinds of shoes. Moreover, in some embodiments, the provisionsdiscussed herein for article of footwear 100 could be incorporated intovarious other kinds of non-sports related footwear, including, but notlimited to, slippers, sandals, high-heeled footwear, and loafers.

For purposes of clarity, the following detailed description discussesthe features of article of footwear 100, also referred to simply asarticle 100. However, it will be understood that other embodiments mayincorporate a corresponding article of footwear (e.g., a left article offootwear when article 100 is a right article of footwear) that may sharesome, and possibly all, of the features of article 100 described hereinand shown in the figures.

The embodiments may be characterized by various directional adjectivesand reference portions. These directions and reference portions mayfacilitate in describing the portions of an article of footwear.Moreover, these directions and reference portions may also be used indescribing subcomponents of an article of footwear (e.g., directionsand/or portions of a midsole structure, an outer sole structure, anupper, or any other components).

For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employedthroughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustratedembodiments. The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detaileddescription and in the claims refers to a direction extending a lengthof a component (e.g., an upper or sole component). A longitudinaldirection may extend along a longitudinal axis, which itself extendsbetween a forefoot portion and a heel portion of the component. Also,the term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and inthe claims refers to a direction extending along a width of a component.A lateral direction may extend along a lateral axis, which itselfextends between a medial side and a lateral side of a component.Furthermore, the term “vertical” as used throughout this detaileddescription and in the claims refers to a direction extending along avertical axis, which itself is generally perpendicular to a lateral axisand a longitudinal axis. For example, in cases where an article isplanted flat on a ground surface, a vertical direction may extend fromthe ground surface upward. Additionally, the term “inner” refers to aportion of an article disposed closer to an interior of an article, orcloser to a foot when the article is worn. Likewise, the term “outer”refers to a portion of an article disposed further from the interior ofthe article or from the foot. Thus, for example, the inner surface of acomponent is disposed closer to an interior of the article than theouter surface of the component. This detailed description makes use ofthese directional adjectives in describing an article and variouscomponents of the article, including an upper, a midsole structure,and/or an outer sole structure.

Article 100 may be characterized by a number of different regions orportions. For example, article 100 could include a forefoot portion, amidfoot portion, a heel portion and an ankle portion. Moreover,components of article 100 could likewise comprise correspondingportions. Referring to FIG. 1, article 100 may be divided into forefootportion 10, midfoot portion 12, and heel portion 14. Forefoot portion 10may be generally associated with the toes and joints connecting themetatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot portion 12 may be generallyassociated with the arch of a foot. Likewise, heel portion 14 may begenerally associated with the heel of a foot, including the calcaneusbone. Article 100 may also include ankle portion 15 (which may also bereferred to as a cuff portion). In addition, article 100 may includelateral side 16 and medial side 18. In particular, lateral side 16 andmedial side 18 may be opposing sides of article 100. Furthermore, bothlateral side 16 and medial side 18 may extend through forefoot portion10, midfoot portion 12, heel portion 14, and ankle portion 15.

As shown in FIG. 1, article 100 may comprise upper 102 and solestructure 110. In some embodiments, sole structure 110 may be configuredto provide traction for article 100. In addition to providing traction,sole structure 110 may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressedbetween the foot and the ground during walking, running, or otherambulatory activities. The configuration of sole structure 110 may varysignificantly in different embodiments to include a variety ofconventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, theconfiguration of sole structure 110 can be configured according to oneor more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure 110 may beused. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to,natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, hardwood flooring, as well as othersurfaces.

Sole structure 110 is secured to upper 102 and extends between the footand the ground when article 100 is worn. In different embodiments, solestructure 110 may include different components. For example, solestructure 110 may include an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. Insome cases, one or more of these components may be optional.

Upper 102 may include a variety of provisions for receiving and coveringa foot, as well as securing article 100 to the foot. In someembodiments, upper 102 includes opening 114 that provides entry for thefoot into an interior cavity of upper 102. In some embodiments, upper102 may include tongue 122 that provides cushioning and support acrossthe instep of the foot. Some embodiments may include fasteningprovisions, including, but not limited to, laces, cables, straps,buttons, zippers as well as any other provisions known in the art forfastening articles. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a particulartensioning system for tensioning one or more regions of upper 102 isshown, which is described in further detail below. However, otherembodiments could incorporate additional and possibly separatetensioning or fastening systems, including more traditional lacingsystems that may be used to close opening 114 around a foot. Moreover,for purposes of clarity, the exemplary embodiment does not include alace, strap, or other fastening feature that might be used to fastenopening 114. It may be appreciated however that some embodiments mightincorporate a lace or other similar fastening system at the throat ofarticle 100 and/or adjacent to opening 114.

In different embodiments, upper 102 may have a variety of differentconfigurations. In particular, upper 102 may have any design, shape,size, and/or color. For example, in the exemplary embodiment article 100is a basketball shoe, and, therefore, upper 102 may have a high-topconfiguration that is shaped to provide high support on an ankle. Inother embodiments, however, upper 102 could be configured as a low-topupper for running or other activities.

Upper 102 and sole structure 110 may be attached in any manner.Embodiments can utilize any know methods for securing a sole structureto an upper, including various lasting techniques such as board-lasting,slip-lasting, combination-lasting, or strobel-lasting techniques. InFIG. 1, bite line 125 is the location along the periphery of article 100where upper 102 meets and/or joins to sole structure 110.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded isometric view of an embodiment ofarticle of footwear 100, including various components. Referring toFIGS. 1-2, article 100 may be provided with tensioning system 130.Tensioning system 130 may further include tubular structure 140, firsttensile strand 160, and plurality of secondary tensile strands 180.

As used herein, the term “tubular structure” refers to any elongatedstructure with length greater than width and thickness (or diameter forrounded geometries), which further includes an internal tunnel or cavitythrough its length. In this detailed description and in the claims, theterm tubular structure is not intended to be limited to structures withrounded inner and outer cross-sectional geometries. In other words,tubular structures could have outer cross-sectional geometries that areapproximately rectangular or polygonal, ovoid or other geometries thatneed not be circular or approximately circular. In the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 1, tubular structure 140 may generally comprise anelongated structure, which further includes tunnel 141. Tubularstructure 140 may further have a cross-sectional geometry that includesrounded section 161, which faces outwardly from article 100, andflattened section 163, which is generally disposed against upper 102.

Tubular structure 140 may further include first end 142, second end 144and intermediate portion 146 that is disposed between first end 142 andsecond end 144. Intermediate portion 146 need not extend the full lengthbetween first end 142 and second end 144, and may generally characterizea region or segment of tubular structure 140 between first end 142 andsecond end 144. Tunnel 141 of tubular structure 140 may extendcontinuously through the entire length of tubular structure 140, fromfirst end 142 to second end 144. Of course, it is contemplated that inother embodiments, tunnel 141 need not extend all the way to first end142 or second end 144 of tubular structure 140.

Tubular structure 140 may be configured with one or more openings in asurface or sidewall of tubular structure 140. In FIGS. 1-2, tubularstructure 140 includes plurality of openings 150. For example, as shownin FIG. 2, opening 152, which may be representative of plurality ofopenings 150, is disposed in outer surface 143 of tubular structure 140.Opening 152 may further extend to tunnel 141. In other words, opening152 extends from outer surface 143 to an inner surface 145 of tubularstructure 140. It will be understood that each of the remaining openingsin plurality of openings 150 may likewise extend from outer surface 143to tunnel 141. Thus, openings 150 may provide an access point forcomponents (such as tensile strands) to enter or exit tunnel 141.Although not shown in the figures, first end 142 and second end 144 oftubular structure 140 may likewise include openings that allow foraccess to tunnel 141.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2 has a common orientation for openings150 along tubular structure 140. Specifically, each of the openings 150is generally oriented toward bite line 125 of article 100. However, asdiscussed further below, other opening orientations are possible, and insome embodiments, different holes could be configured with differentorientations.

In different embodiments, one or more dimensions of a tubular structure,as well as the tunnel and openings formed in the tubular structure,could vary. For example, in different embodiments, the outer diameter ofa tubular structure could have any value in the range between 0.1 mm and2 cm. Likewise, the tube thickness, characterized by the distancebetween the outer surface and inner surface (e.g., outer surface 143 andinner surface 145) could have any value in the range between 0.5 mm and1.8 cm. It may be appreciated that the tunnel diameter may vary inaccordance with the tube thickness (i.e., the tunnel diameter is thediameter of the tubular structure minus twice the tube thickness).Moreover, the diameter and tube thickness for a tubular structure may beselected according to various factors including desired tensile stranddiameter, desired flexibility of the tubular structure, desired heightof the tubular structure relative to the upper as well as possibly otherfactors.

Additionally, the number and arrangement of openings could vary. Forexample, some embodiments may include only a single opening, whileothers could include between two and 50 openings. Still otherembodiments could include more than 50 openings. The number of openingscould be selected according to the number of access points to a tunnelrequired, as well as the desired flexibility of a tubular structure, asadditional openings may increase the flexibility of the tubularstructure proximate the openings. It may also be appreciated that theopenings could be disposed uniformly through the tubular structure, orin any discrete groups or patterns.

The sizes of openings could vary. For example, a circumferentialdimension of an opening may characterize how much of the circumferenceof a tubular structure that the opening covers. Some embodiments caninclude openings with a circumferential dimension of only a few percentof the total circumference of the tubular structure. Still otherembodiments could include openings with a circumferential dimensionhaving a value between 20 to 80 percent of the circumference of thetubular structure. For example, in other embodiments, openings could belarge enough so that only a narrow section of the tubular structureconnects adjacent portions of the tubular structure at the opening. Anexample of a component comprised of discrete tubular structuresconnected by relatively narrow connecting portions is shown in FIGS.11-12 and discussed in further detail below.

A tubular structure can be configured with various physical properties.Exemplary physical properties of the tubular structure that could bevaried include rigidity, strength and flexibility or elasticity. In someembodiments, for example, a tubular structure could be configured asrelatively rigid with little flexibility. In the embodiment of FIGS.1-2, tubular structure 140 may be configured with some flexibility suchthat one or more portions of tubular structure 140 can undergo elasticdeformation during tensioning.

Different embodiments could utilize different materials for a tubularstructure. Exemplary materials may include, but are not limited to,various kinds of polymers. In embodiments where a tubular structure maybe formed by a 3D printing process, the tubular structure could be madeof materials including, but not limited to, thermoplastics (e.g., PLAand ABS) and thermoplastic powders, high-density polyurethylene,eutectic metals, rubber, modeling clay, plasticine, RTV silicone,porcelain, metal clay, ceramic materials, plaster and photopolymers, aswell as possibly other materials known for use in 3D printing. Suchmaterials may be herein referred to as “printable materials.”

Tensioning system 130 includes first tensile strand 160 and plurality ofsecondary tensile strands 180. As used herein, the term “tensile strand”refers to any elongated (e.g., approximately two dimensional) elementcapable of transferring tension across its length. Examples of variouskinds of tensile strands that could be used with the embodimentsinclude, but are not limited to, cords, laces, wires, cables, threads,ropes, filaments, yarns as well as possibly other kinds of strands.Tensile strands may be configured with different strengths as well asdifferent degrees of stretch or elasticity.

First tensile strand 160 may comprise a cord-like element having anapproximately rounded cross section. First tensile strand 160 includesfirst end portion 162, second end portion 164, and intermediate portion166. Although the length of first tensile strand 160 could vary from oneembodiment to another, in an exemplary embodiment, first tensile strand160 may be longer than tubular structure 140 so that first end portion162 and second end portion 164 extend outwardly from first end 142 andsecond end 144, respectively, of tubular structure 140.

In some embodiments, first tensile strand 160 may include provisions toprevent either first end portion 162 or second end portion 164 frombeing pulled into tunnel 141 of tubular structure 140. Such an elementmay be herein referred to as a “catching element,” though the exemplaryembodiment of FIGS. 1-2 is not depicted with any catching elements.Catching elements could include knots formed in a tensile strand orother elements that clamp or tie onto the tensile strand. A catchingelement may generally have a cross-sectional size and/or shape thatprevents the catching element from being pulled into a tubularstructure. Instead, the catching element may press against the end ofthe tubular structure thereby allowing the other end of the tensilestrand to be pulled so as to generate tension across the tensile strand.

FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of article 100including plurality of secondary tensile strands 180. Referring to FIGS.1-3, plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 includes five secondarytensile strands (or just “tensile strands”). Specifically, as seen inFIGS. 2-3, plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 includes secondtensile strands 182, third tensile strand 183, fourth tensile strand184, fifth tensile strand 185, and sixth tensile strand 186. In otherembodiments, tensioning system 130 could include fewer than five tensilestrands. In still other embodiments, tensioning system 130 could includemore than five tensile strands.

Referring to FIG. 3, a representative second tensile strand 182 includesfirst portion 190, second portion 192, and third portion 191. Moreover,second portion 192 may be disposed between first portion 190 and thirdportion 194.

In different embodiments, two or more tensile strands could vary in oneor more properties. In some embodiments, a first tensile strand and asecond tensile strand could be substantially similar in materials and/ordimensions. In other embodiments, however, a first tensile strand and asecond tensile strand could differ in material and/or dimensions. Forexample, the exemplary embodiment depicts first tensile strand 160 thatis much longer than any of the plurality of secondary tensile strands180. Further, as best seen in the enlarged view of FIG. 3, first tensilestrand 160 may have a larger diameter than second tensile strand 182,which is a representative tensile strand of plurality of secondarytensile strands 180. In particular, in some embodiments, each of thetensile strands of plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 may have asimilar diameter.

In some embodiments, first tensile strand 160 may also be made of adifferent material than second tensile strand 182. For example, in someembodiments, first tensile strand 160 could be made of nylon, whilesecond tensile strand 182 could be made of a high-strength material suchas Vectran. Using this combination of materials could allow for slightlymore give and durability in first tensile strand 160, which may besubjected to stresses in many different directions. In otherembodiments, however, first tensile strand 160 and second tensile strand182 could be made of similar materials that impart similar physicalproperties including similar strength, stretch, and durability.

Optionally, in some embodiments, a tensile strand may be encased in acoating, such as a PTFE coating, that allows the tensile strand to bepulled or pushed smoothly through a tunnel and/or against a surface suchas an upper with minimal resistance. It is also contemplated that insome other embodiments, some portions of plurality of secondary tensilestrands 180 could be laminated, covered, or embedded within a layer ofTPU or other polymer material that may help bond plurality of secondarytensile strands 180 to an upper along their length.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in the assembled article 100, tubularstructure 140 extends along a contoured path on outer surface 105 ofupper 102. Specifically, first end 142 of tubular structure 140 beginsin heel portion 14 on medial side 18, extends through midfoot portion 12and forefoot portion 10 on medial side 18 and then crosses to lateralside 16 at the front of article 100. From the front on lateral side 16,tubular structure 140 extends through forefoot portion 10 and midfootportion 12, and into heel portion 14 on lateral side 16. Second end 144is disposed in heel portion 14. For purposes of illustration, theportions of tubular structure 140 on lateral side 16 are shown inphantom in FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, tubular structure 140 may be attached to anunderlying portion of upper 102. As an example, the enlargedcross-sectional view in FIG. 1 illustrates how portion 149 of outersurface 143 of tubular structure 140 may be in contact with, andattached to, upper 102. In some embodiments, tubular structure 140 maybe attached to upper 102 along the entire length of tubular structure140 (e.g., tubular structure may be continuously connected with upper102). Thus, for example, first end 142, second end 144 and intermediateportion 146 may all be attached directly to upper 102. In otherembodiments, however, tubular structure 140 could be attached to upper102 at two or more non-continuous sections.

Generally, tubular structure 140 could be attached to upper 102 in anymanner. Exemplary methods of attachment could include, but are notlimited to, adhesive methods, stitching, stapling, the use of variousfastening elements as well as possibly other methods. In an exemplaryembodiment, tubular structure 140 could be formed by a three-dimensionalprinting process and formed directly onto upper 102. In such a process,tubular structure 140 could be made of a printable material capable ofbonding with the surface of upper 102 during or after printing. Such anexemplary process is discussed in further detail below.

First tensile strand 160 may extend through tubular structure 140.Specifically, first tensile strand 160 may extend through tunnel 141 oftubular structure 140.

Plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 may be arranged to engagewith first tensile strand 160 and provide a means of transferringtension between first tensile strand 160 and one or more other regionsof article 100. As best seen in FIG. 3, second portion 192 of secondtensile strand 182 may wrap around or over first tensile strand 160,thereby engaging first tensile strand 160. Further, first portion 190and third portion 191 of second tensile strand 182 may be attached tofirst attachment region 300 and second attachment region 302,respectively, on article 100. In other embodiments, one or more ends ofsecond tensile strand 182 could be joined to first tensile strand 160,for example, using a knot or intermediate connector.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, first attachment region 300 andsecond attachment region 302 are regions of sole structure 110. Thus,second tensile strand 182 acts to connect first tensile strand 160 tosole structure 110. In other embodiments, however, a tensile strandcould be attached to a region on upper 102. Such arrangements allowsecond tensile strand 182 to transfer tension between first tensilestrand 160 and one or more attachment regions associated with eitherupper 102 or sole structure 110.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom isometric view of article 100. Referring toFIGS. 1-4, the exemplary embodiment provides a configuration forsupporting the arch of the foot. Moreover, the additional arch supportprovided by tensioning system 130 allows sole structure 110 to beconstructed with a narrower midfoot portion 112, which may help reducethe weight of sole structure 110 and article 100.

As best seen in FIGS. 3-4, each tensile strand in plurality of secondarytensile strands 180 is anchored at, or near, bite line 125. In someembodiments, plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 may be attacheddirectly to sole structure 110. In other embodiments, plurality ofsecondary tensile strands 180 could be attached on upper 102 at aportion of upper 102 that is attached to sole structure 110.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an isometric view of article 100, and anenlarged view of a portion of article 100, respectively, as firsttensile strand 160 is pulled to tighten article 100. Referring to FIGS.5 and 6, tensioning force 400 is applied to first end portion 162 andsecond end portion 164 of first tensile strand 160. This results infirst tensile strand 160 being pulled taut within tubular structure 140.As intermediate portion 166 of first tensile strand 160 within tubularstructure 140 is pulled taut, plurality of secondary tensile strands 180is pulled into plurality of openings 150 (e.g., second tensile strand182 is pulled into first opening 152). Thus, tension is created acrossplurality of secondary tensile strands 180, between first tensile strand160 (and tubular structure 140) and sole structure 110. This tensionprovides increased support to the arch of the foot on medial side 18.

Various other arrangements of secondary tensile strands are possible inother embodiments. In some embodiments, tensile strands may extend froma tubular structure to a bite line (as in FIGS. 1-6). In otherembodiments, tensile strands could extend between two different portionsof a tubular structure, or between two separate tubular structures.Moreover, some embodiments can be configured with a combination oftensile strands that extend to the bite line or across the upper toother portions of a tubular structure. In still other embodiments, oneor more portions of a secondary tensile strand could be attacheddirectly to a portion of an upper, using, for example, a laminate layerto bond the tensile strand to the upper, or using various kinds ofwelds.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate views of another embodiment of an article offootwear 500 (also referred to as article 500) with tensioning system530. FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of article 500, while FIGS. 8-9illustrate side views of article 500, corresponding to non-tensioned(FIG. 8) and tensioned (FIG. 9) configurations of article 500.

Article 500 may be provided with some similar provisions to article 100of a previous embodiment. For example, article 500 includes upper 502and sole structure 510, which are joined at bite line 525. Upper 502 andsole structure 510 could be configured in any way as discussed above forupper 102 and sole structure 110 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6.

For purposes of reference, article 500 may be associated with similarportions and/or directional terms as used in discussing article 100. Forexample, article 500 includes forefoot portion 410, midfoot portion 412,heel portion 414, and ankle portion 415. Further, article 500 includeslateral side 416 and medial side 418.

Article 500 further includes tensioning system 530, which may include atleast some similar components to tensioning system 130 discussed aboveand shown in FIGS. 1-6. Specifically, tensioning system 530 includestubular structure 540, first tensile strand 560 and plurality ofsecondary tensile strands 580. The tubular structure and tensile strandsmay have any of the properties discussed above for tubular structure140, first tensile strand 160, and plurality of secondary tensilestrands 180.

As seen in FIGS. 7-9, tubular structure 540 may be arranged on upper502. Tubular structure 540 may include first end 542, second end 544,and various intermediate portions to be discussed in further detailbelow. First tensile strand 560 extends through tunnel 541 of tubularstructure 540. First end portion 562 and second end portion 564 of firsttensile strand 560 exit first end 542 and second end 544, respectively,of tubular structure 540.

Tubular structure 540 includes plurality of openings 550. Portions offirst tensile strand 560 may extend outwardly through plurality ofopenings 550 and may be engaged by plurality of secondary tensilestrands 580 at various portions along tubular structure 540. In contrastto the previous embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 where secondary tensile strandswere provided at a single portion of tubular structure 540, the presentembodiment of FIGS. 7-9 incorporates secondary tensile strands alongmultiple different portions of tubular structure 540.

Tubular structure 540 has a contoured path on upper 502. Starting onlateral side 416 of heel portion 414, tubular structure 540 extendscontinuously on lateral side 416 through midfoot portion 412 andforefoot portion 410, around the front of upper 502, and then on medialside 418, ending in heel portion 414. The contoured path of tubularstructure 540 incorporates various curved or non-linear portions thatfacilitate dynamic fit and comfort.

In some embodiments, portions of a tubular structure may be contoured tocreate dynamic support to one or more portions of a foot. For example,tubular structure 540 includes first curved portion 600 on lateral side416, which is approximately disposed through midfoot portion 412 ofarticle 500. First curved portion 600 is seen to curve away from biteline 525. Second curved portion 602 is disposed on medial side 418 andsimilarly curves away from bite line 525. The placement and geometry ofthese portions may facilitate a dynamic fit for article 500, especiallywhen used in combination with one or more secondary tensile strands.

In some embodiments, portions of a tubular structure may be contoured toenhance comfort, for example, by passing around (rather than over orthrough) bony regions of an upper. As used herein, the term “bonyregion” refers to any region or portion of an upper that is in contactwith, or proximate, a bony structure of a foot when the article is worn.Exemplary bony structures in the foot include structures of themetatarsal bones, structures of the calcaneus bone, as well asstructures associated with the ankle, such as the lateral malleolus, themedial malleolus, and the posterior malleolus. Since applying forcesdirectly against some bony structures of the foot can increasediscomfort, it may be desirable to avoid placing a tubular structureacross a bony structure (i.e., within a bony region of the upper).

More generally, embodiments can include provisions for contouring atubular structure to achieve any desired configuration relative to ananatomical portion of a foot. For example, tubular structure may becontoured in a manner that facilitates support to the arch of the foot.As another example, a tubular structure could be configured to passaround pressure points or hotspots on a foot, which may or may not beassociated with bony structures.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the contoured geometry of tubular structure 540includes several portions intended to avoid bony regions. Here, upper502 includes first bony region 630 corresponding to the lateralmalleolus of a foot, second bony region 632 corresponding to the medialmalleolus of a foot, third bony region 634 corresponding to a firstmetatarsal bone of a foot and fourth bony region 636 corresponding to aphalanx of the big toe. To accommodate these bony structures, thirdcurved portion 606 curves around a periphery of first bony region 630,and fourth curved portion 608 curves around a periphery of second bonyregion 632. Further, as seen in FIG. 7, tubular structure 540 includeslooped portion 610 that surrounds the entire periphery of third bonyregion 634. Finally, tubular structure 540 curves along the periphery offourth bony region 636 so as to pass between the big toe (hallux) andthe rest of the foot.

Secondary tensile strands may be arranged on article 500 to facilitate adynamic fit and/or to enhance the support of the upper adjacent a bonystructure. Plurality of secondary tensile strands 580 may be furtherassociated with several distinct groups of tensile strands. For example,first group of tensile strands 590 is disposed in heel portion 414,second group of tensile strands 592 is disposed over instep portion 503(shown in FIG. 9) of upper 502, and third group of tensile strands 594is disposed in midfoot portion 412 on medial side 418. Each group ofsecondary tensile strands attaches to first tensile strand 560 andprovides the ability to vary the tension across these different regionsof upper 502. It may be understood that the term “group of tensilestrands” may refer to one or more tensile strands. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 8 and 9, for example, second group of tensile strands 592may comprise a single tensile strand that weaves back and forth acrossinstep portion 503. In other embodiments, second group of tensilestrands 592 could comprise two or more distinct tensile strands.

As best seen in FIG. 7, third group of tensile strands 594 may extendfrom first tensile strand 560 down to bite line 525, thereby enhancingsupport for the arch of the foot on medial side 418. The configurationof third group of tensile strands 594 and the support provided may besimilar in many respects to the configuration of, and support providedby, plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 shown in FIGS. 1-6. Aswith the earlier embodiment, ends of each tensile strand in third groupof tensile strands 594 may be attached directly to sole structure 510.

Some tensile strands may be configured to extend between differentportions of a tubular structure. For example, first group of tensilestrands 590 includes tensile strands extending from third curved portion606 to fourth curved portion 608 of tubular structure 540, wrappingaround the back and/or bottom side of heel portion 414 between thesetubular portions. Similarly, second group of tensile strands 592includes tensile strands extending from first curved portion 600 tosecond curved portion 602, extending over instep portion 503 (see FIGS.7-9) in between these tubular portions. Second group of tensile strands592 also includes tensile strands extending from looped portion 610 oftubular structure 540 to lateral forefoot portion 611 of tubularstructure 540, which is disposed adjacent to bite line 525. Thesetensile strands extend over the top of forefoot portion 410.

Second group of tensile strands 592 includes second tensile strand 650that extends between first curved portion 600 and second curved portion602 of tubular structure 540. Here, first curved portion 600 includesfirst surface 660 with first opening 666 that extends into tunnel 541,and second curved portion 602 includes second surface 664 with secondopening 662 that extends into tunnel 541. Second tensile strand 650includes first portion 652 that engages first tensile strand 560proximate second opening 662 (e.g., just inside, or outside, of opening662). Second tensile strand 650 also includes second portion 654 thatengages first tensile strand 560 proximate first opening 666. Moreover,in some embodiments, second tensile strand 650 continues to weave backand forth between first curved portion 600 and second curved portion602, further engaging additional portions of first tensile strand 560through more openings on the tubular portions. With this configuration,second tensile strand 650 is able to transmit tension between twodifferent portions of first tensile strand 560, specifically a portionof first tensile strand 560 within first curved portion 600 and aportion of first tensile strand 560 within second curved portion 602.

In order to accommodate the various path directions of the secondarytensile strands, openings in a tubular structure may be provided with avariety of different orientations. For purposes of reference, a tubularstructure may be associated with an axial direction, which extends alongthe length of the tubular structure, and a circumferential direction(e.g., an angular direction) that extends around the circumference ofthe tubular structure. To accommodate different path directions andlocations for secondary tensile strands, a tubular structure may,therefore, include openings having different circumferentialorientations. As used herein, the orientation of an opening refers to adirection normal to a center of the opening. As an example shown in FIG.8, opening 700 of tubular structure 540 is open toward a top or instepportion 503 (see FIG. 9) of upper 502, while opening 702 of tubularstructure 540 is open toward bite line 525 of article 500. Thus, opening700 and opening 702 are clearly seen to have different circumferentialorientations along tubular structure 540. Such variable orientationsallow for the placement of secondary tensile strands extending in anydesired direction across upper 502, including across the top of upper502, beneath upper 502, and/or to bite line 525.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of article 500 as first tensile strand560 is pulled, or tensioned. As seen in comparing FIGS. 8-10, duringtensioning, at least some portions of tubular structure 540 undergoelastic deformation. In particular, the geometry or curvature of tubularstructure 540 (along the axial direction) is changed with tension. Thischange in geometry is elastic since releasing the tension results intubular structure 540 returning to its non-tensioned configuration(FIGS. 7-8).

The deformations in some portions of tubular structure 540 occur asfirst tensile strand 560 attempts to straighten under tension. Thus, insome portions of high curvature, first tensile strand 560 may applyforces to tubular structure 540 that act to straighten those portions.For example, first curved portion 600 of tubular structure 540 undergoesan elastic deformation that results in a slightly straighterconfiguration. This, along with the retraction of first tensile strand560 into openings 550 acts to pull second group of tensile strands 592.As second curved portion 602 (not shown in FIG. 9) may undergo a similarstraightening and pulling away from instep portion 503, second group oftensile strands 592 may be generally pulled down on instep portion 503,increasing support at instep portion 503. Additionally, third curvedportion 606 undergoes an elastic deformation that pulls inwardly (e.g.,toward a center of first bony region 630) on first group of tensilestrands 590. This results in first group of tensile strands 590 pullingagainst the back, sides and bottom of the heel to enhance support.

Different portions of a tubular structure may undergo different changesin geometry. The degree and type of change in geometry may be controlledby various factors including, but not limited to, the non-tensionedgeometry of the tube (e.g., straight or curved) and flexibility of thetube, as well as possibly other factors.

Because tubular structure 540 is attached directly to upper 502, tubularstructure 540 applies forces to upper 502 as it deforms, which mayresult in changes in the upper geometry. Therefore, changes in supportand fit of the upper as tensioning system 530 is adjusted result notonly from adjusting the tension of secondary tensile strands but alsofrom changing the upper geometry as tubular structure 540 undergoeselastic deformation.

For purposes of characterizing upper 502, upper may be considered ashaving various base portions. A base portion is a local portion of theregion of the upper that may or may not be continuous with adjacentportions or regions. A base portion may further be characterized ashaving a geometry. As used herein, the geometry of a base portion, orbase layer, includes the surface area and the geometry of the surface.Base portions may have flat geometries, may be smoothly curved or may behighly curved. Regions of high curvature in the surface of a baseportion or layer may be characterized as folds or pinched portions.Because the layers of an upper may be made of fabrics or textiles havinga high degree of flexibility, an upper or portions of the upper mayundergo significant changes in geometry, including changing from arelatively flat geometry to a geometry with one or more folds. In someembodiments, the surface area of a base portion could change withoutsignificant changes to the surface curvature or contouring. This mayoccur when the base portion is capable of expanding or compressing in adimension parallel with the surface of the base portion (e.g., a rubbersheet can expand or compress horizontally inducing a change in surfacearea without significant changes from a flattened geometry). It may,therefore, be appreciated that as used herein, “change in geometry”could refer to increases or reductions in surface area withoutsignificant changes in curvature (e.g., without adding indentations,pinches, or folds to the surface).

As depicted in FIGS. 7-9, upper 502 may include several distinct baseportions. First base portion 720 extends in midfoot portion 412, fromfirst curved portion 600 of tubular structure 540 down to bite line 525.A second base portion 722 extends through midfoot portion 412, betweenfirst curved portion 600 and second curved portion 602 (e.g., acrossinstep portion 503). FIGS. 7-8 depict an initial geometry for first baseportion 720 and second base portion 722. As tension is applied via firsttensile strand 560 (shown in FIG. 9), tubular structure 540 deforms andapplies forces to the boundaries of both first base portion 720 andsecond base portion 722. The resulting deformation acts to increase thegeometry of second base portion 722, as first curved portion 600 andsecond curved portion 602 pull the edges of second base portion 722apart. Thus, the surface area of second base portion 722 may generallybe increased, and some slight changes in contouring may also occur assecond base portion 722 accommodates a slightly different portion of thefoot. In contrast, as first curved portion 600 deforms, first baseportion 720 contracts slightly, as the upper boundary of first baseportion 720 is moved closer to a lower boundary at bite line 525. In theexemplary embodiment, this change in the boundary locations of firstbase portion 720 induces small ridge 724 (e.g., a local change in theotherwise flat geometry of first base portion 720). Thus, first baseportion 720 clearly changes in geometry as article 500 is tensioned. Theresulting changes may provide enhanced fit across upper 502 in secondbase portion 722 (i.e., along part of instep portion 503), whilerelaxing the fit on upper 502 in first base portion 720.

It will be appreciated that depending on the configuration of thetubular structure and one or more secondary tensile strands, someportions of upper 502 may not undergo any significant changes ingeometry (and therefore fit) as tension is applied to first tensilestrand 560. Moreover, as discussed above, it is contemplated that baseportions could undergo significant changes in geometry withoutintroducing highly curved features (such as ridges, indentations,pinches, or folds)—e.g., by using elastic fabrics or textiles that arepre-stretched in an un-tensioned state of the article, such thatdeformations in tube geometry result in mere contraction or furtherexpansion without affecting surface curvature.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of another embodiment of anarticle of footwear 800 (or article 800), which illustrates a tubulargeometry configured to provide enhanced comfort at a bony regionassociated with the calcaneus bone. It will be appreciated that article800 may incorporate any of the provisions previously discussed in theprevious embodiments and shown in FIGS. 1-9. Such similar provisions maybe discussed without introduction in discussing this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, tubular structure 840 has an approximatelycircular or rounded geometry and passes around periphery 821 of bonyregion 820, which corresponds to the calcaneus bone. In FIG. 10, theapproximate location of the furthest protruding feature 822 of thecalcaneus bone is depicted in phantom. Thus, the path of tubularstructure 840 in heel region 814 is selected to avoid applying pressuredirectly against the calcaneus, especially in the vicinity of protrudingfeature 822. Secondary tensile strands 888 engage first tensile strand860 and extend radially outwardly from a center of bony region 820.Thus, when tensioned, secondary tensile strands 888 may help keeptubular structure 840 from deforming into bony region 820 and therebycausing discomfort.

The embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1-10 illustrate tubular structuresthat are generally continuous with openings placed at various locationsalong the tubular structure. It may be appreciated that otherembodiments are not limited to this specific class of geometries and mayincorporate other geometries for tube-like structures that facilitatethe operation of a tensioning system along an upper. For example, someother embodiments could incorporate more discrete tubular segments thatare joined by relatively narrow connecting portions. Such an alternativeembodiment is depicted in FIGS. 11-12.

FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of article 870 including tensioning system873 with tunnel spring structure 880. Here, tunnel spring structure 880extends in a contoured path over upper 883. FIG. 12 depicts article 870in a tensioned state. Tunnel spring structure 880 includes plurality ofindividual tubular structures 882 that are joined by connecting portions884. For example, first tubular structure 885 is connected to secondtubular structure 886 by intermediate connecting portion 887. Morespecifically, first tubular structure 885 includes first end 891 andsecond end 892 and a tunnel portion (not visible) extending betweenfirst end 891 and second end 892. Likewise, second tubular structure 886includes third end 893 and fourth end 894 as well as a tunnel portion(not visible) extending between third end 893 and fourth end 894. Thus,intermediate connecting portion 887 is seen to be attached at second end892 of first tubular structure 885 and third end 893 of second tubularstructure 886, thereby joining the structures. In this embodiment, eachseparate tubular structure has a tunnel portion and by joining thetubular structures together with connecting portions the tunnel portionstogether form a tunnel extending from a first end to a second end of thetunnel spring structure 880.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-13, intermediate connecting portion887 may generally have a small circumferential dimension. Specifically,embodiments may include connecting portions with circumferentialdimensions in the range between 5 and 40 percent of the totalcircumference of each tubular structure.

The embodiments may make use of any of the tunnel spring structuresdisclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 62/263,923, filed Dec. 7, 2015,titled “Tunnel Spring Structures,” which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety and hereafter referred to as the “tunnelspring application.”

In contrast to the tubular structures depicted in FIGS. 1-10, tunnelspring structure 880 is capable of flexing (e.g., contracting orexpanding in length) along an axial direction. This flexing can occur asconnecting portions 884 deform under tension applied across tensilestrand 881, thereby allowing adjacent tubular structures to move closertogether. Such a configuration may allow for slightly different dynamicson an upper than in cases where the tubular structure has a fixed axiallength. It is also to be appreciated that such tunnel spring structuresmay also be more easily flexed in other directions beyond the axialdirection. In other words, the tunnel spring structures may flex andbend more easily than other configurations of a tubular structure. Insome cases, tunnel spring structures may also tend to return to adefault position after tension is released as the connecting portions ofthe tunnel spring structure may act to urge adjacent tubular structuresapart and toward a default spacing of tubular structures.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, as tension is applied along tensile strand881 (e.g., when a user pulls tensile strand 881), tunnel springstructure 880 may deform. In contrast to some other embodiments withopenings that do not sufficiently change the structural properties ofthe tubular structure, the structural properties of tunnel springstructure 880 are strongly influenced by the geometry of the connectingportions and the large openings, or gaps, between adjacent tubularstructures. For example, as tension is applied along tensile strand 881,the tubular structures in tunnel spring structure 880 may collapsetoward one another as their respective connecting portions undergodeformation. Thus, in some cases, the spacing between adjacent tubularstructures may vary between non-tensioned states (FIG. 11) and tensionedstates (FIG. 12). For example, first tubular structure 885 and secondtubular structure 886 are seen to move closer to one another between thenon-tensioned state of FIG. 11 and the tensioned state of FIG. 12, asintermediate connecting portion 887 undergoes spring-like deformation.

In some cases, portions of tunnel spring structure 880 may be arrangedso that as tension is applied to tensile strand 881, the portions mayconform more closely to one or more anatomical features of a foot. Inthe exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 11-12, tunnel spring structure 880includes adaptive portion 889, which can be seen as circumscribing theapproximate region on upper 883 associated with the lateral malleolus830. In this case, adaptive portion 889 is attached to upper 883 along aplurality of anchoring portions, which are the points of attachmentbetween each individual tubular structure in tunnel spring structure 880and upper 883 (e.g., a first anchoring portion may be defined as tubularstructure 831, since first tubular structure 885 is directly attached toupper 883 and thereby helps to anchor tunnel spring structure 880 toupper 883).

Referring now to FIG. 12, as tensile strand 881 is tensioned, thetubular segments of adaptive portion 889 may collapse together and forma curved section of tunnel spring structure 880 that more closelyconforms to lateral malleolus 830 and thereby provides continued supportacross the ankle on the lateral side without tunnel spring structure 880passing directly over lateral malleolus 830.

FIGS. 13-14 illustrate still another embodiment of an article offootwear 900 (or article 900) incorporating a tubular structure in theform of tunnel spring structure 910. As with previous embodiments,tunnel spring structure 910 may be attached directly to upper 902 ofarticle 900. Further, tensile strand 920 may extend through a tunnel(comprised of the individual tunnel portions of each tubular structure)of tunnel spring structure 910. Tensile strand 920 may further engagewith lace 911, which may be used to tighten the throat and/or opening ofupper 902.

As shown in FIGS. 13-14, tunnel spring structure 910 includes adaptiveportion 912 that extends adjacent heel portion 901 of article 900. Forpurposes of reference, the approximate location of calcaneus bone 930 isshown in phantom where it would be located when a foot is inserted intoarticle 900. In the resting, or non-tensioned, state of FIG. 13,adaptive portion 912 has a default geometry in which it curves from ahigher location at the back of heel portion 901 to a lower location asit moves forward of heel portion 901 and toward midfoot portion 903.Moreover, when no tension is applied, at least some of adaptive portion912 may partially overlap, or lie over, with calcaneus bone 930 (e.g.,some of adaptive portion 912 may be disposed outwardly, or distally, ofcalcaneus bone 930).

As tension is applied along tensile strand 920, which is shown in FIG.14, adaptive portion 912 may deform so as to better conform to theanatomical feature of the foot associated with calcaneus bone 930.Specifically, adaptive portion 912 changes shape (i.e., takes on aconforming geometry) so as to circumscribe the periphery of the featureassociated with calcaneus bone 930 without actually overlapping with thefeature, which may help avoid discomfort that could be caused by havingthe tunnel spring structure apply an inwardly (or proximally) directedforce against the part of the foot including calcaneus bone 930.

In some embodiments, an adaptive portion may be made to better conformto an anatomical feature during tensioning by controlling the locationof two or more anchoring portions as well as the angle of tensionapplied across the anchoring portions. In the example of FIGS. 13-14,adaptive portion 912 may be seen to comprise first adaptive segment 914(consisting of several tubular structures and their connecting portions)and second adaptive segment 916. First adaptive segment 914 includesmultiple anchoring portions, comprised here of individual tubularstructures, such as first tubular structure 922 and second tubularstructure 924. Here, first adaptive segment 914 is seen to extend fromfirst tubular structure 922 to second tubular structure 924, andincludes a corresponding segment of tensile strand 920. Likewise, secondadaptive segment 916 includes multiple anchoring portions, comprisedhere of individual tubular structures, such as third tubular structure926 and fourth tubular structure 928. Here, second adaptive segment 916is seen to extend from third tubular structure 926 to fourth tubularstructure 928, and includes a corresponding segment of tensile strand920. In the relaxed, or non-tensioned, state of tunnel spring structure910, first adaptive segment 914 and second adaptive segment 916 form anangle (i.e., are not collinear). Thus, as tension is applied alongtensile strand 920, as in FIG. 14, first adaptive segment 914 and secondadaptive segment 916 deform so as to partially straighten and reduce therelative angle between them. This causes the curvature of adaptiveportion 912 to become more rounded and pulls some tubular structures(e.g., tubular structure 924) away from the region of upper 902 directlyoverlying calcaneus bone 930.

FIG. 15 illustrates yet another embodiment of article of footwear 940(or article 940) with a tensioning system. In FIG. 15, the tensioningsystem includes multiple different kinds of tubular structures, whichare all connected via a common tensile strand 942. For example, in FIG.15, article 940 includes tunnel spring structure 944 extending alongheel portion 945, as well as several segmented tubular structures (suchas first segmented tubular structure 946 and second segmented tubularstructure 947) extending through midfoot portion 948 and forefootportion 949. As seen in FIG. 15, segmented tubular structures may becharacterized by comprising just two tubular structures connected by asingle connecting portion. In some cases, the segmented tubularstructures may not tend to deform (especially the connecting portions)under applied tensions.

As seen in FIG. 15, tubular structures may not extend completely arounda shoe, as is shown in other embodiments. In particular, in some cases,the use of tubular structures for controlling tension and contractioncan be applied to localized regions of an article (for example structure944 in heel portion 945 and a separate and distinct tubular structure946 in midfoot portion 948). This arrangement may allow for fine tuningof tensioning and upper substrate contraction in various local regionsassociated with distinct tubular structures. Moreover, it can beappreciated that in any other embodiments disclosed herein and shown inthe figures, the exemplary tubular structures could be separated intodisjoint sections that are disposed across local regions (e.g., thearch, around the ankle bones, etc.).

The type of tubular structure used may be selected according to thedesired properties for the overall tensioning system. For example,spring tunnel structures may be applied over portions or regions whereit is desirable to have continuous tubular structures that can collapseand which also tend to return to an initial relaxed, or non-tensioned,state once the tension along a tensile strand has been removed. Incontrast, in some cases, segmented tubular structures may be applied inregions where it is desirable to form complex paths for a tensilestrand, including forming loops or other paths with crossovers orintersections that may be more difficult to achieve with continuoustubular structures. Embodiments may use any of the tubular structures,tunnel structures, or segmented tunnel structures disclosed in U.S.Patent Application No. 62/263,891, filed Dec. 7, 2015, titled “SegmentedTunnels on Articles,” which is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety and hereafter referred to as the “segmented tunnelsapplication.”

It may be appreciated that embodiments can include provisions foranchoring, or otherwise attaching, components of a tensioning system todifferent parts of an article of footwear. As previously discussed, insome cases tensile strands and/or tubular structures could be partiallyor fully anchored to a sole structure, or to portions of an upperdirectly adjacent the sole structure (e.g., at the bite line). However,it is also contemplated that in some other embodiments, components couldbe mounted to other structures of an article. For example, FIG. 16illustrates another embodiment with an article 950 that comprises upper952 and sole structure 951, and which further includes heel counter 953and a fastening system with lace stay 954 (or eyestay). In the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 16, tubular structure 955 extends through upper 952and includes primary tensile strand 956 engaged with secondary tensilestrands 957 and tensile strands 958. In this case, secondary tensilestrands 957 are seen to be anchored on heel counter 953. That is, atleast one end of each of secondary tensile strands 957 are directlyattached to heel counter 953. Likewise, tensile strands 958 are seen tobe anchored on lace stay 954. That is, at least one end of each oftensile strands 958 are directly attached to lace stay 954. Thisarrangement may facilitate the transfer of tension applied along primarytensile strand 956 to other structures, such as heel counter 953 andlace stay 954, as well as vice versa (i.e., transferring tension fromthose structures back to tensile strand 956).

Of course, the embodiment of FIG. 16 is not intended to be limiting, andin other embodiments any tensile strands and/or portions of a tubularstructure could be mounted, anchored, or otherwise attached to anystructure associated with an article of footwear. Such structuresinclude, but are not limited to, sole components (e.g., outsoles,midsoles, and/or insoles), upper components (e.g., various panels,meshes, tongues, etc.), fastening components (e.g., laces, lace stays,eyelets, etc.), supporting structures (e.g., heel counters, toe guards,heel cups, pads, etc.) as well as any other structures comprising anarticle of footwear.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary process for manufacturing an articlewith a tensioning system according to the embodiments. It may beappreciated that in some embodiments, one or more steps may be optional,while in other embodiments the process could include additional steps.The method, therefore, may not be limited to the particular steps ororder of steps discussed here. It may also be appreciated that one ormore steps could be accomplished by one or more of the following: amanufacturer, retail worker, customer, and/or third party.

In first step 1050, custom foot geometry information may be received. Anexemplary embodiment of this step is depicted in FIGS. 18 and 19, anddiscussed in further detail below. Next, during step 1052, a customcontoured path for a tubular structure could be determined, for example,as shown in FIGS. 20-22, and discussed below. Next, during step 1054, aprint material may be disposed onto an upper to form a tubular structurewith the custom contoured path, as shown in FIGS. 23-25 and discussedbelow. Finally, during step 1056, an article of footwear can bemanufactured using the upper with a tubular structure arranged in acustomized path, as shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of some components of footwear customizationsystem 960. Footwear customization system 960 may include provisions forcustomizing a tensioning system on an article. Specifically, footwearcustomization system 960 includes provisions for creating a tubularstructure with a customized contoured path that is designed for a uniquefoot geometry. As seen in FIG. 18, footwear customization system 960 caninclude foot geometry capturing system 970, additive manufacturingdevice 980, and computing system 990.

Foot geometry capturing system 970, or simply capturing system 970, mayinclude provisions for capturing geometric information about a foot,such as the foot of a customer. This geometric information can includesize (e.g., length, width, and/or height) as well as three-dimensionalinformation corresponding to a foot (e.g., forefoot geometry, midfootgeometry, heel geometry, and ankle geometry). In at least oneembodiment, the captured geometric information for a foot can be used togenerate a three-dimensional model of the foot for use in later stagesof manufacturing. For purposes of convenience, the term “foot geometryinformation” is used throughout the detailed description and in theclaims to refer to any information related to the size and/or shape of afoot. In particular, foot geometry information can include at least thewidth and length of the foot. In some cases, foot geometry informationmay include information about the three-dimensional foot geometry. Footgeometry information can be used to create a three-dimensional model ofthe foot.

As shown in FIG. 18, in some embodiments, foot geometry informationabout foot 961 may be retrieved using capturing system 970 to capturetwo-dimensional and/or three-dimensional information about foot 961(e.g., the foot of a user or customer). Of course, it is alsocontemplated that in at least some embodiments, foot geometryinformation could be captured in any other manner, including manuallyusing various conventional measuring devices (e.g., a tape measure,Brannock Device, etc.). Furthermore, in at least some embodiments,rather than capturing or directly measuring foot geometry information,the customized foot information could be retrieved from a database, orprovided directly by the user or customer.

Capturing system 970 may include one or more sensing systems and/orsensing devices capable of sensing (e.g., capturing) customized footinformation. In one embodiment, capturing system 970 includes at leasttwo optical sensing devices. Specifically, capturing system 970 mayinclude optical sensing device 972 and optical sensing device 974, whichmay act together to capture foot geometry information, including thedimensions and/or shape of foot 961.

Optical sensing devices may be any kind of device capable of capturingimage information. Examples of different optical sensing devices thatcan be used include, but are not limited to, still-shot cameras, videocameras, digital cameras, non-digital cameras, web cameras (web cams),as well as other kinds of optical sensing devices known in the art. Thetype of optical sensing device may be selected according to factors suchas desired data transfer speeds, system memory allocation, form factorof the optical sensing device, desired spatial resolution for viewing afoot, as well as possibly other factors.

Exemplary image sensing technologies that could be used with an opticalsensing device include, but are not limited to, semiconductorcharge-coupled devices (CCD), complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor(CMOS) type sensors, N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS) typesensors as well as possibly other kinds of sensors. In some otherembodiments, optical sensing devices that detect non-visible wavelengths(including, for instance, infrared wavelengths) could also be used.

For purposes of illustration, two cameras are depicted in FIG. 18. Sucha configuration could allow for three-dimensional imaging using astereoscopic imaging technique. However, other embodiments could utilizeany other number of cameras. Moreover, other embodiments could beconfigured with any other kind of 3D scanning technologies includingcontact 3D scanning (e.g., coordinate measuring machine), time-of-flight3D laser scanning, triangulation-based 3D laser scanning as well aspossibly other kinds of 3D scanning technologies.

Although optical sensing device 972 and optical sensing device 974 areshown here in a static configuration, it is contemplated that in someembodiments optical sensing device 972 and/or optical sensing device 974could be moved to various positions to capture additional views of foot961. Optionally, in some embodiments, the method can include having auser (e.g., a customer) move to locate foot 961 at differentorientations with respect to optical sensing device 972 and/or opticalsensing device 974.

Alternatively, rather than using devices for capturing three-dimensionalgeometry of a foot, embodiments could include a foot scanning device tomeasure pressure across the sole of the foot. For example, FIG. 19illustrates an embodiment employing foot scanning device 979 that can beused to generate foot pressure information, shown here as foot pressureimage 992. In order to obtain foot pressure information, embodimentscould use any of the systems, devices, and methods for imaging a foot asdisclosed in Gregory et al., U.S. Patent Publication Number2013/0258085, published Oct. 3, 2013 and titled “Foot Imaging andMeasurement Apparatus,” the entirety of which is herein incorporated byreference.

Foot geometry information can be used to locate particular anatomicalareas on the foot that may be important to consider in designing a pathfor a tubular structure. Such anatomical areas can include, for example,arch geometry, forefoot, midfoot, and/or heel geometry, as well areasassociated with specific bones or bony features (i.e., bony structures).

Referring to FIG. 17, footwear customization system 960 includesadditive manufacturing device 980. The term “additive manufacturing,”also referred to as “three-dimensional printing,” refers to any deviceand technology for making a three-dimensional object through an additiveprocess where layers of material are successively laid down under thecontrol of a computer. Exemplary additive manufacturing techniques thatcould be used include, but are not limited to, extrusion methods such asfused deposition modeling (FDM), electron beam freeform fabrication(EBF), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), electron beam melting (EBM),selective laser melting (SLM), selective heat sintering (SHS), selectivelaser sintering (SLS), plaster-based 3D printing, laminated objectmanufacturing (LOM), stereolithography (SLA), and digital lightprocessing (DLP). In one embodiment, additive manufacturing device 980could be a fused deposition modeling type printer configured to printthermoplastic materials such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) orpolyactic acid (PLA).

An example of a printing device using fused filament fabrication (FFF)is disclosed in Crump, U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,329, filed Oct. 30, 1989 andtitled “Apparatus and Method for Creating Three-Dimensional Objects,”which application is herein incorporated by reference and referred tohereafter as the “3D Objects” application. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure can make use of any of the systems, components, devices, andmethods disclosed in the 3D Objects application.

Additive manufacturing device 980 may be used to manufacture one or morecomponents used in forming an article of footwear. For example, additivemanufacturing device 980 may be used to form a tubular structure on anupper.

Additive manufacturing device 980 may include device housing 981,actuating assembly 982, and extrusion head 984 (see FIG. 23). Additivemanufacturing device 980 may also include platform 986. In some cases,extrusion head 984 may be translated via actuating assembly 982 on az-axis (i.e., vertical axis), while platform 986 of additivemanufacturing device 980 may move in the x and y directions (i.e.,horizontal axis). In other cases, extrusion head 984 could have fullthree-dimensional movement (e.g., x-y-z movement) above a fixedplatform.

Embodiments can include provisions for controlling capturing system 970and additive manufacturing device 980, as well as processing informationrelated to the customization process. These provisions can include acomputing system 990 and a network. Generally, the term “computingsystem” refers to the computing resources of a single computer, aportion of the computing resources of a single computer, and/or two ormore computers in communication with one another. Any of these resourcescan be operated by one or more human users. In some embodiments,computing system 990 may include one or more servers. In some cases, aseparate server (not shown) may be primarily responsible for controllingand/or communicating with devices of footwear customization system 960,while a separate computer (e.g., desktop, laptop, or tablet) mayfacilitate interactions with a user or operator. Computing system 990can also include one or more storage devices including, but not limitedto magnetic, optical, magneto-optical, and/or memory, including volatilememory and non-volatile memory.

Computing system 990 may comprise viewing interface 996 (e.g., a monitoror screen), input devices 997 (e.g., keyboard and/or mouse), andsoftware for designing a computer-aided design (“CAD”) representation ofa three-dimensional model. In at least some embodiments, the CADrepresentation can provide a representation of an article of footwear aswell as representations of elements of a tensioning system, such as atubular structure.

In some embodiments, computing system 990 may be in direct contact withone or more devices or systems of footwear customization system 960 vianetwork 999. The network may include any wired or wireless provisionsthat facilitate the exchange of information between computing system 990and devices of footwear customization system 960. In some embodiments,the network may further include various components such as networkinterface controllers, repeaters, hubs, bridges, switches, routers,modems, and firewalls. In some cases, the network may be a wirelessnetwork that facilitates wireless communication between two or moresystems, devices and/or components of footwear customization system 960.Examples of wireless networks include, but are not limited to, wirelesspersonal area networks (including, for example, Bluetooth), wirelesslocal area networks (including networks utilizing the IEEE 802.11 WLANstandards), wireless mesh networks, mobile device networks as well asother kinds of wireless networks. In other cases, the network could be awired network including networks whose signals are facilitated bytwister pair wires, coaxial cables, and optical fibers. In still othercases, a combination of wired and wireless networks and/or connectionscould be used.

In some embodiments, the captured foot geometry information can bedelivered to computing system 990 via network 999. Once received, thefoot geometry information may be stored as raw data. In the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 20, the customized foot information may be usedto create customized model 1000. Customized model 1000 may be athree-dimensional model that represents the size and/or geometricinformation about a user's foot. In some embodiments, customized model1000 may represent an upper configured to be worn on a user's foot. Inother embodiments, a customized model could represent a foot. In theexemplary embodiment, customized model 1000 represents a foot.

As seen in FIG. 20, the customized model 1000, or the raw customizedfoot information captured (or otherwise retrieved) during previoussteps, can be used to design a custom contoured path for a tubularstructure on an upper. As used herein, the term “custom contoured path”refers to a path or layout for a tubular structure on an upper thatextends throughout the upper. As the anatomy of each customer's foot maybe unique, a custom contoured path may be designed to provide optimumsupport while minimizing discomfort by creating a path for a tubularstructure that avoids one or more bony regions of an upper.

Customized model 1000 includes various anatomical regions that may beconsidered in designing the path of a tubular structure on an upper. Forpurposes of clarity, first anatomical region 1002 and second anatomicalregion 1004 are shown; however, it may be understood that customizedmodel 1000 can be characterized by other anatomical regions. In thiscase, first anatomical region 1002 may be associated with the firstmetatarsal bone, while second anatomical region 1004 may be associatedwith a protruding feature of the calcaneus bone (i.e., a bonystructure).

A user may interact with customized model 1000 using a CAD system (e.g.,CAD software). Such a system may allow the user to design a customizedpath for a tubular structure around the upper (or foot). Embodiments mayutilize any standard CAD or other software tool for designing aparticular tubular structure geometry.

As it may be desirable to avoid applying pressure directly to eitherfirst anatomical region 1002 or second anatomical region 1004, a pathfor a tubular structure may be configured to travel around theseregions, rather than across or through them. In FIG. 20 an initial pathfor tubular structure 1010 has been generated. Such a path may begenerated automatically by the CAD system (e.g., software) running oncomputing system 990. The system can include provisions allowing a userto modify the geometry, or path, of tubular structure 1010 on customizedmodel 1000. For example, as seen in FIG. 21, a user can drag rearwardsection 1020 of tubular structure 1010 up and around second anatomicalregion 1004 so as increase comfort at second anatomical region 1004.Likewise, as seen in FIG. 22, a user can drag medial side section 1022of tubular structure 1010 up and around first anatomical region 1002 toincrease comfort at first anatomical region 1002.

It may be appreciated that the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 20-22 isonly intended to be exemplary. In other embodiments, a user may design atubular structure with any geometry and customized path around a foot(and article). Moreover, some embodiments could include provisions thatallow the user to design hole openings (e.g., locations and/or size), aswell as the locations of secondary tensile strands.

In some embodiments, some of the design steps may be automated. Forexample, in some cases, the task of designing a customized contouredpath could be automatically done by a customization system. In otherwords, in some embodiments, the system may automatically generate acustomized path or three-dimensional geometry for a tubular structure onan article based on input information such as customized foot geometryand/or pressure distribution information.

Once a desired custom contoured path for tubular structure 1010 has beendesigned, a user may submit custom tubular structure design 1012 toadditive manufacturing device 980 (see FIG. 18) for printing onto anupper. In some cases, information related to tubular structure 1010(including the custom contoured path information) can be provided toadditive manufacturing device 980 in the form of a 3D printing fileformat. In one embodiment, for example, tubular structure 1010 and/orinformation associated with tubular structure 1010 could be provided toadditive manufacturing device 980 in an STL file format, which is aStereolithography file format for 3D printing. In other embodiments, theinformation could be stored and/or transferred in the AdditiveManufacturing File Format (AMF), which is an open standard for 3Dprinting information. Still other embodiments could store and/ortransfer information using the X3D file format. In still otherembodiments, any other file formats known for storing 3D objects and/or3D printing information could be used.

FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment of a step of printing tubularstructure 1102 with a custom contoured path onto upper 1104. Inparticular, extrusion head 984 may deposit a printable material onto thesurface of upper 1104 to form the tubular structure. A tubular structurewith a hollow tunnel could be formed using a variety of differenttechniques. Embodiments could utilize any of the methods, processes,materials, and/or systems for printing tubular structures with a hollowtunnel onto an article that is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No.62/263,834, filed Dec. 7, 2015, titled “Three Dimensional PrintingUtilizing a Captive Element,” which is herein incorporated by referencein its entirety and hereafter referred to as the “captive elementapplication.” Any known materials for three-dimensional printing couldbe used, including any of the printable materials described above.

After tubular structure 1102 has been printed, first tensile strand 1110may be inserted into the tunnel of tubular structure 1102, as shown inFIG. 24.

FIG. 25 illustrates another embodiment in which first tensile strand1200 is embedded within a tubular structure as it is printed.Specifically, first layer 1203, or portion, of tubular structure 1202may be initially printed onto upper 1104. Then, first tensile strand1200 may be placed on first layer 1203. After this, the remaining layersof tubular structure 1202 may be printed onto first layer 1203 and overfirst tensile strand 1200, such that first tensile strand 1200 isembedded during the printing process.

FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a final product producedby at least one of the processes described above and shown in FIGS.18-25. Referring to FIG. 26, upper 1104 has been reshaped to form anupper and assembled with sole structure 1170. As shown, tubularstructure 1102 has a customized path on upper 1104 that has been createdto bypass sensitive anatomical features or regions. Moreover, as part offorming the final article, second tensile strands 1180 have been runaround tensile strand 1160 and anchored to the article at the bite linebetween upper 1104 and sole structure 1170.

Embodiments may also make use of any of the configurations, components,materials and/or methods disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No.62/263,898, filed Dec. 7, 2015 and titled “Article of Footwear withTubular Structures Having Tab Portions” the entirety of which is hereinincorporated by reference.

Additive manufacturing processes may be used to form structures on flatreceiving surfaces as well as on contoured or non-flat surfaces. Forexample, some embodiments depicted in the figures may illustrate methodswhereby material is printed onto a flattened surface of an article, suchas a material section of an upper that has a flat or unassembledconfiguration. In such cases, printing material onto the surface may beaccomplished by depositing material in thin layers that are also flat.Thus, a print head or nozzle may move in one or more horizontaldirections to apply an Nth layer of material and then move in thevertical direction to begin forming the N+1 layer. However, it should beunderstood that in other embodiments material could be printed onto acontoured or non-flat surface. For example, material could be printedonto a three-dimensional last, where the surface of the last is notflat. In such cases, the printed layers applied to the surface may alsobe contoured. In order to accomplish this method of printing, a printhead or nozzle may be configured to move along a contoured surface andtilt, rotate or otherwise move so that the print head or nozzle isalways aligned approximately normal to the surface where printedmaterial is being applied. In some cases, a print head could be mountedto a robotic arm, such as an articulated robotic arm with six degrees offreedom. Alternatively, in still other embodiments, an object with acontoured surface could be re-oriented under a nozzle so that contouredlayers of printed material could be applied to the object. For example,embodiments could make use of any of the systems, features, componentsand/or methods disclosed in Mozeika et al., U.S. Patent PublicationNumber 2013/0015596, published Jan. 17, 2013 (and filed as U.S.application Ser. No. 13/530,664 on Jun. 22, 2012), titled “Roboticfabricator,” the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.Embodiments could also make use of any of the systems, features,components and/or methods disclosed in Cannell et al., U.S. Pat. No.8,123,350, issued Feb. 28, 2012, titled “Computerized apparatus andmethod for applying graphics to surfaces,” the entirety of which isherein incorporated by reference. Thus, it may be appreciated that thepresent embodiments are not limited to printing processes used forprinting to flat surfaces and may be used in conjunction with printingsystems that can print to any kinds of surfaces having any kinds ofgeometry.

The printed structures of the present embodiments may provide enhancedsupport. In some cases, one or more printed structures may be attachedto an underlying component such as a fabric layer of an upper or otherarticle, and may act to enhance support over a portion of the component.This may occur in situations where the printed structure is more rigidthan an underlying material (e.g., fabric, leather, etc.). In somecases, printed structures, such as tubular structures, could extendthroughout portions of an article to form an external support system,like an exoskeleton, which helps provide increased support through thoseportions.

The embodiments further provide a comprehensive fit system that deliversa tuned and pressure-free fit for an article. This is accomplished bysteering the articulated tunnel structures around bony prominences ofthe foot. When a tensile strand extending through the tunnel structuresis pulled under tension (e.g., by the laces or another tensile element)the tunnel geometry and article-substrate (e.g., fabric layer) contractaround predetermined zones of the foot.

While various embodiments have been described, the description isintended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and it will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments andimplementations are possible that are within the scope of theembodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combinationwith or substituted for any other feature or element in any otherembodiment unless specifically restricted. Accordingly, the embodimentsare not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims andtheir equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be madewithin the scope of the attached claims.

We claim:
 1. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper; a solestructure; a tubular structure extending along the upper, the tubularstructure including a first end and a second end; the tubular structurehaving a tunnel extending through the tubular structure from the firstend to the second end; and a first tensile strand extending through thetunnel of the tubular structure, wherein the tubular structure comprisesan adaptive portion corresponding to an anatomical feature of a foot,and wherein the adaptive portion of the tubular structure is attached tothe upper at least at a plurality of anchoring portions and when tensionis applied along the first tensile strand a length of the adaptiveportion changes.
 2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein theanatomical feature is a lateral malleolus of the foot.
 3. The article offootwear of claim 1, wherein the anatomical feature is a medialmalleolus of the foot.
 4. The article of footwear of claim 1, whereinthe anatomical feature is a calcaneus bone of the foot.
 5. The articleof footwear of claim 1, wherein the anatomical feature is an arch of thefoot.
 6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the adaptiveportion includes: a first anchoring portion, a second anchoring portionand a first adaptive segment extending between the first anchoringportion and the second anchoring portion; a third anchoring portion anda second adaptive segment extending between the second anchoring portionand the third anchoring portion; wherein the first adaptive segmentforms an angle with the second adaptive segment at the second anchoringportion, the angle being less than one hundred and eighty degrees whenno tension is applied along the first tensile strand; and wherein theangle between the first adaptive segment and the second adaptive segmentcauses the adaptive portion to conform to the anatomical feature astension is applied along the first tensile strand.
 7. The article offootwear of claim 1, wherein the plurality of anchoring portions providethe adaptive portion with a default geometry when no tension is appliedalong the first tensile strand, and the adaptive portion changes fromthe default geometry to a conforming geometry when tension is appliedalong the first tensile strand such that the adaptive portion conformsto the anatomical feature.
 8. The article of footwear of claim 1,wherein the tubular structure comprises an intermediate portion betweenthe first end and the second end, the intermediate portion having aplurality of enclosed areas that enclose the first tensile strand and aplurality of exposed areas that expose the first tensile strand.
 9. Thearticle of footwear of claim 8, wherein the first tensile strand engageswith a lace at one or more of the plurality of exposed areas of theintermediate portion of the tubular structure.
 10. An article offootwear, comprising: an upper; a tunnel spring structure extendingalong the upper and having a first end, a second end, and a tunnelextending between the first end and the second end, the tunnel springstructure comprising a plurality of tunnel segments and a plurality ofconnecting segments extending between adjacent ones of the plurality oftunnel segments; and a first tensile strand extending through thetunnel, wherein the tunnel spring structure is movable from a firstconfiguration to a second configuration in which at least some of theadjacent ones of the plurality of tunnel segments are closer togetherthan when in the first configuration, and wherein the tunnel springstructure moves from the first configuration to the second configurationwhen tension is applied to the first tensile strand.
 11. The article offootwear of claim 10, wherein the tunnel spring structure extends alongthe upper around a location that corresponds to an anatomical feature ofa foot.
 12. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein, in the secondconfiguration, a geometry of the tunnel segments conforms to theanatomical feature.
 13. The article of footwear as in claim 11, whereinthe anatomical feature is a lateral malleolus of the foot.
 14. Thearticle of footwear as in claim 11, wherein the anatomical feature is amedial malleolus of the foot.
 15. The article of footwear as in claim11, wherein the anatomical feature is a calcaneus bone of the foot. 16.The article of footwear as in claim 11, wherein the anatomical featureis an arch of the foot.
 17. The article of footwear of claim 10, whereinat least some of the plurality of tunnel segments are secured to theupper.
 18. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the firsttensile strand is exposed at exposed areas between at least someadjacent ones of the plurality of tunnel segments.
 19. The article offootwear of claim 10, wherein the first tensile strand engages with alace at one or more of the exposed areas.